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By Peter de Bakker

The objective of this contract was to develop a simple, reliable, economical, remote-control roof bolting module for installation of mechanical and resin bolts. It was to be capable of placing longer than seam height bolts, up to 10 ft lengths, from a seam height of 36 to 72 in., while keeping the operator under supported roof. The resulting machine, called REM-Bolter, is a low profile unit that utilizes Foster-Miller Flexible Shaft Roof Drill, a Bendix Roof Bolt Inserter and a newly designed. Roof Bolt Lifter/Torquer. Every effort was made to strike a compromise between complete automation and complete manual control. In a controlled laboratory environment the REM-Bolter remotely installed 1000 bolts. Subsequently the machine was tested in an operating coal mine where 500 holes were drilled (and an equal number of bolts were installed) remotely, over a 4 month period. The results of all tests Live shown that the operator of a machine of this kind can quickly, and repeatedly, install rootbolts remotely from his operator compartment some 8 ft away from the drilling/bolting action. The report includes recommendations for improvements to the present REM-Bolter design that would translate the present test bed into a second generation test bed and a potential first generation production unit.

Jan 1, 1983

By Albert H. Fay

The first data compiled by the Bureau of Mines relating to coal- mine accidents in the United States were published in Bulletin 69," in which the total fatalities by years and States were tabulated from 1896 to 1912. Since the publication of Bulletin 69, further research has been conducted, with the result that the bureau is now able to publish for the first time all of the fatal accidents described in the State inspectors' reports by States, causes, and calendar years, from the beginning of inspection service to date. For the anthracite mines of Pennsylvania, there is a continuous record since 1870; the records of the Pennsylvania bituminous mines are continuous from 1877, and, with the exception of one year, the Ohio records are complete from 1874 to date. In fact, the records of all of the States, with few exceptions, are complete; and incomplete data for any year may generally be attributed to the fact that no report was published during that year. The magnitude of the coal-mining industry in the United States is such that too much stress can not be placed on the need of safeguard- ing the three-quarters of a million men employed. Although the figures given herein show an appalling record for past years, they are not published for the purpose of proclaiming the high fatality rate of the past. They are a record of experience covering a period of 45 years, showing causes and results of many accidents in the coal mines of the United States. They represent a diagnosis of the hazard of the mining industry, pointing out the principal physical causes of accidents, and make available a body of uniform facts that will serve as a basis of preventive measures for use in future operations. It is with these great purposes in view that the Bureau of Mines presents the classified data in this report. Classification and study of mine accidents on the basis of number of persons killed is common and very old, but fails to throw enough light upon the problem involved. Many serious accidents in mines have no fatal results, hence in a tabulation of fatalities they are overlooked and the real hazard of the industry is not made clear. An accident does not necessarily include an injury that may result therefrom. Such accidents as the breaking of a hoisting cable, an explosion of powder, gas, or dust, a runaway car or motor are all serious. Although no loss of life results, they should be recorded, investigated, and studied to prevent their repetition. No accurate data for the United States are available showing how far the personal element as related to the miner and his co-worker, the mine foreman, or to the superintendent and others in authority, contributes to accidents. Many accidents are due to inexperience on the part of the miner, his failure to heed orders, a misunderstanding of instructions and last, but not least, carelessness of himself or his fellow worker. A foreman or superintendent may fail to give proper warning regarding the conditions of certain parts of the mine; he may not have inspected certain rooms or entries on the day of a mine accident; the mine may not be properly equipped, or the operator may neglect to comply with the inspector's recommendations. There is, therefore, a personal element on the part of both the operator and the miner that must be considered. Legislation and the enactment of compensation laws will make the operator realize the seriousness of the mine-accident situation, when fatalities and injuries are to be paid for in legal tender of the realm. The miner must be educated and made to realize the dangers he encounters; he must learn that self-preservation and the safety of his fellow workmen should receive his first attention; he should cooperate with his employer, his asso- ciates, and the State mine inspector to the end that the mine hazard may be reduced to a minimum. "Cooperation for safety" should be the watchwords of the operator, miner, State inspectors, and all others in any way interested in the mining industry.

Jan 1, 1916

By Lawrence J. Froisland

To aid in minimizing adverse environmental impacts of mining and mineral processing, the Bureau of Mines studied changes in soil characteristics in topsoil stockpiled during mining operations. Topsoil stockpiles in arid areas of New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming were sampled over a 1- to 8-yr period to determine any changes in physical, chemical, or biological parameters in the top 15 ft of soil. Parameters examined in this study included soil moisture, pH, electrical conductivity, and cation exchange capacity; total nitrogen, organic carbon, carbon to nitrogen ratio, extractable potassium, and soluble phosphorus levels in the soil; general levels of bacteria activity in the soil; and productivity of the soil as measured by shoot yield in growth tests. Data were analyzed by multiple linear regression to determine possible effects of stockpile age and depth. Bacteria population counts, used as an indicator of goner l bacterial activity, was the only parameter found to be significantly correlated with stockpile age and depth at more than one site. Bacterial activity increased with depth at the two sites where it was measured. Activity increased with age at one site and decreased with age at the second. Significant changes in soil pH, electrical conductivity, and moisture were significantly correlated with stockpile age and depth at single sites. This study did not show significant, consistent deterioration in soil characteristics or growth yield of topsoil stored in stockpiles.

Jan 1, 1987

By R. H. Thompson

Preliminary safe distances for blasting wiring from typical electromagnetic sources are presented. The distances are for underground coal mines and electromagnetic sources in the frequency range below 10 MHz. The distances are based on measurements performed at 3 locations in each of 3 coal mines. The measurement apparatus, measurement procedure, measurement results and the rationale used in the calculation of the safe distances are all described. The safe distances presented are dependent on the measurement results and their interpretation. More measurements are clearly necessary to establish the validity of the suggested distances.

Jan 1, 1985

By C. E. Wood

Because of the renewed importance of the strategic metal manganese the Bureau of Mines in conducting further research on pyrometallurgical methods of beneficiating manganiferous iron ores and low-grade manganese ores. Published data on the Pyrometallurgical of manganese ores have been reviewed by Joseph.5/ A method of treatment that has received less consideration than others is the matte smelting of manganese or the separation of manganese from the iron and the gangue in an ore b, formation of a matte, that consists principally of esulfide of manganese. A procedure of this type has been patented by Betts.6/ Lofquist7/ claims advantages for the production of a sulfide-oxide matte as a method of recovering manganese in alloys containing manganese and iron.

Jan 1, 1940

Under contract from U. S. Bureau of Mines, Harza Engineering Company in cooperation with Eastern Associated Coal Corporation, conducted a ground control study of two mechanized longwall panels at the Federal Number 2 Mine. The mine is located in Northern West Virginia, and the coal is mined from the Pittsburgh Coal Seam. The prime objective of the study was to collect data which will aid in the proper selection of the longwall supports system and to control the entry caving problem. Instruments installed in the mine were borehole pressure cells, convergence recorders, roof sag recorders, horizontal roof strain indicators, differential floor movement systems, and lateral roof and floor movement systems. Instruments installed on the surface, above the instrumented longwall panels, consisted of slope indicator system, vertical bed settlement probe system and shear displacement detecting system. A comprehensive surface subsidence study was conducted in conjunction with the instrumentation. In addition to the instrumentation and monitoring, special tests were conducted to determine the bearing capacity of the roof and floor rocks, in situ modulus of coal, roof and floor rocks, and response of borehole pressure cells to ground stress. Cores of coal measure rocks were collected for the physical property tests. Face observations were made to detect various roof behavior parameters under the different jack setting pressures. This report essentially describes the instrumentation work, special tests and presents the data collected.

Jan 1, 1976

By Virgil A. Marple

The objective of this contract was to investigate time-integrated and real-time methods for determining the diesel exhaust particulate concentration in underground mines, in particular, coal mines. The microorifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) is recommended for obtaining the time-integrated measurement of the size distribution. The mass concentration of diesel exhaust particles can be obtained from the particle size distribution of mine aerosols. On a mass basis, diesel exhaust particles are primarily in the submicrometer size range while coal dust particles are larger. Size distribution measurements made in the laboratory and in three underground coal mines exhibited two distinct modes with the diesel exhaust particles in the smaller particle mode and the coal particles in the larger particle mode. The point of separation between the two modes occurred in the 0.7 to 1.0 pm size range. The separation was found to be independent of mass fraction of the diesel exhaust particles, particle concentration and sampling site. Methods recommended for further consideration as real-time monitors of diesel exhaust aerosols in mines are photometers and filter pressure drop techniques. A preclassifier would be required in both cases to separate the larger dust particles from the sample. The Metrex Mineral/Diesel Photometer should also be investigated further once the electronics problems are eliminated.

Jan 1, 1986

By Duane L. Abata

Toxic gases produced by the detonation of six explosives were measured in an underground hardrock metal mine during actual mining operations. The six explosives included two semi-gelatin dynamites, three slurry explosives and an ammonium-nitrate, fuel-oil/ammonia dynamite combination. Explosives were detonated at the face of a drift and the toxic gases produced by the detonation were trapped to the end of the drift by a bulkhead located a short distance away from the face. Toxic gas concentrations were then measured with direct readout instruments and together with the containment volume, the toxic gas volumes per mass of explosive were calculated. Toxic gas measurements were found in the following ranges (ft3/lbm): N02 0.010-0.035; N02, 0.003-0.019; CO, 0.08-0.30; S02, 0.00-0.05; and C02, 0.7-1.8. Results showed that toxic gas production (ft3/lbm) correlated with the densities (kg/m3) and energy densities (kJ/kg) of the explosives tested.

Jan 1, 1978

By Paul G. Swanson

This investigation was conducted to identify the principle causes of spoil instability problems in the Eastern Coal Province. The study was also conducted to develop a matrix to predict the strength and groundwater parameters necessary to conduct stability analyses on a proposed reclamation scheme. Suggestive methods to reduce spoil instability potential are also included. Numerous physical property, strength, compressibility, chemical and mineralogical tests were conducted on mine spoil samples obtained from 11 different surface mine sites. Site characteristics that influence the position of the post reclamation groundwater table were identified. Distinct regions within the Eastern Coal Province with high incidences of surface mine slides or high landslide susceptibility were identified. The application of the predictive matrices developed in this study is for surface mine sites mined and reclaimed in general accordance with the Surface Mine Reclamation Control Act of 1977. A review of current mining practices and the relative effect on spoil stability is included.

Jan 1, 1983

By Robert V. Berryhill

Reconnaissance studies of beach deposits along approximately 220 miles of the shoreline of Bristol Bay, Alaska, were made to determine if more detailed investigations were warranted. In addition to preliminary mapping of the deposits, samples were obtained from auger borings spaced at 1-mile intervals in key areas; shovel samples were collected to supplement the borings. Most samples were roughly concentrated in the field; magnetic separation tests, petrographic analyses, and determinations for radiometric equivalent uranium, gold, platinum, iron, and titanium were made in the Bureau of Mines laboratory at Juneau, Alaska. Spot samples from some beaches along the shores of the Alaska Peninsula indicate small deposits containing up to 10 percent recoverable titaniferous magnetite; some larger deposits were indicated to contain from 1 to 2 percent total heavy metal, principally as titaniferous magnetite. Significant amounts of other commercial minerals were not detected.

Jan 1, 1963

By Arnold M. Lansche

[Selenium and tellurium are rare elements in the earth's crust. Their scarcity and primary dependence of supply on copper and lead output are in consonance with the relatively small quantities consumed at 1964 level. Production depending on output of copper and lead creates a supply situation- which would appear to militate against development of large-scale usage of these elements. However, supplies have adequately met. demand in the past decade and can be increased substantially if warranted by new uses for either selenium or tellurium Ores of copper and lead re the principal sources of selenium and tellurium. Byproducts from the smelting and refining of copper and lead concentrates are incorporated in refinery anode slimes from which selenium and tellurium metal are recovered.]

Jan 1, 1967

By Clayton M. Rumsey

The U.S. Bureau of Mines conducted a mineral resource survey of the Cinder Cones Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (CDCA-239), 10 miles east of Baker, CA, in 1983. The 44,299-acre WSA is underlain by Precambrian granite gneiss, Upper Cretaceous or lower Tertiary Teutonia quartz monzonite, and Quaternary basalt flows and alluvium. This mineral survey included an examination of two volcanic cinder mines, five lode prospects, two volcanic cinder prospects, and reconnaissance sampling in and near the WSA. The seven prospects are in the WSA; the two volcanic cinder mines are adjacent. No mines are in the WSA. In 1981, there were 61 placer and 3 lode mining claims in the WSA. Sample results from two prospects within the WSA contained significant gold and silver values; however, the mineralized rock is of limited extent and no resources were apparent. Alluvial samples taken throughout the WSA contained only traces of gold. Two volcanic cinder cones within the WSA contain an estimated 30 million tons of cinders. There are sufficient cinders outside the WSA to satisfy demand in the foreseeable future. Stone, sand, and gravel deposits are not resources because similar material is closer to markets. No evidence of energy minerals or geothermal resources was found.

Jan 1, 1985

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Jan 1, 1975

By E. Kamon

This report summarizes completed research pertaining to the reaction of human subjects exposed to Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) stressors during escape conditions (viz., resistance breathing, C02 breathing, hot air breathing, and static positive facepiece positive pressure breathing) and the development of an automated breathing and metabolic simulator (ABMS). Volume I contains summarizes of the studies performed under this contract. Volume II is an appendix which contains more detailed descriptions of these studies.

Jan 1, 1984

By P. R. Jones

A computer program was written for the design of a shell and tube heat exchanger on a price optimum basis for the following conditions: (1) Triangular pitch; (2) single or multiple pass; (3) heating or cooling; (4) no change in phase; and (5) inside pumping costs immaterial. Price optimum design was obtained for four standard tube sizes and standard pitch. The inside pressure drop was fixed and outside pressure drop was computed for the optimum baffle spacing and when the baffle spacing equaled the shell diameter. Standard shells whose areas equaled or exceeded the required area were also listed. The program was made adaptable to various fluids and to various tube sizes and pitch by reading in many of the required data such as physical properties of the fluids, tube data, and standard shell data in tabular form.

Jan 1, 1968

By Robert P. Vinson

This Bureau of Mines report presents the results of tracer gas studies conducted at three facilities where bagger hoods had been installed several years ago to remove airborne silica dust from the vicinity of the bagging operator. The studies indicated that for optimum benefits makeup air must be evenly dispersed, the hood enclosures and duct systems must be as airtight as possible, the average intake air velocity of each hood should be at least 200 fpm, and the hoods and duct systems must be properly maintained.

Jan 1, 1981

By H. D. Kline

This publication describes methods and techniques of mining and crushing limestone at 3 of 11 small quarries operated by Anderson-Oxandale Rock Co. in northeast Kansas in 1959. It is one of a series of reports by the Bureau of Mines on methods and costs of mining in various mining districts in the United States. The three quarries selected for study -Bosse quarry, Pottawatomie County; Hansen quarry, Morris County; and Huston quarry, Dickinson County (fig. 1) -were in many respects similar to many others that had been developed solely to fill local and usually transitory demands for crushed limestone for use as concrete aggregate, roadstone, and soil conditioning. Factors governing the choice of quarry sites were quality of limestone, shallow overburden, and proximity to points of consumption of the crushed stone.

Jan 1, 1962

By Lucia Kuizon

The Pinnacles Wilderness Contiguous Wilderness Study Area (WSA) (CA-040-303) is 30 miles south of Hollister, CA, in San Benito and Monterey Counties. It is composed of five parcels of public land totaling 5,838 acres adjacent to the Pinnacles National Monument. The U.S. Bureau of Land Management later reduced the size of the Recommended Suitable Area (RSA) to 2,200 acres. U.S: Bureau of Mines personnel examined the entire WSA in May 1984. The WSA is underlain by Tertiary sedimentary and Cretaceous plutonic rocks. Diatoms occur in interbedded tuff, shale, and sandstones in the northern part of the WSA, but outside the RSA. In 1984, there were no mines, prospects, mining claims, leases, or mineral resources in or within one mile of the study area. No energy minerals were identified; however, an oil well was drilled in 1951 in the northern part of the WSA, but outside the RSA; it was a dry hole.

Jan 1, 1985

By H. H. Fields

The Bureau of Mines is in the process of degasifying a virgin area in northern West Virginia from the base of an 839-foot-deep vertical borehole¬. An in situ gas pressure hole 199 feet long, and seven degasification holes ranging in depth from 500 to 850 feet (average 618 feet) were drilled in an 8-foot-thick virgin Pittsburgh coalbed from the enlarged (14-foot-diameter) bottom of this borehole. The in situ pressure at the back end of the hole and the range of gas and water flows from degasification holes as they were completed and closed off were 203 psi, 79,000 to 257,000 cfd (average 160,000 cfd), and 5 to 8 gpm per hole (average 6.8 gpm), respectively. Twenty-four hours after the seven holes were connected through individual water traps to a common collector for natural venting of the gas through pipes to the atmos¬phere, the total gas and water flows and the in situ pressure dropped, respec¬tively, to 971,000 cfd, 1.3 gpm, and 18 psi. Eighty days later the correspond¬ing values dropped to 529,000 cfd, 0.50 gpm, and 13 psi. After 180 days of degasification, 91 million cubic feet of gas had been removed from the affected virgin area. This represents 60 to 70 percent of the gas calculated to be contained in the area of coal affected by the holes.

Jan 1, 1973

By Wallace W. Key

This report concerns types, quantities, specifications, and uses of non-metallic minerals as a basis for improving their supply, conservation, and utilization. Supply-demand details concerning mineral fillers, rooting granules, and roofing rock used in asphalt are incorporated in this report, along with highlights on production and sales of rooting, floor tile, and other related asphalt products of California. Comparable data for the United States are included. Although large quantities of commercially prepared mineral fillers are used in asphalt for paving and related applications in other States, addition of commercial fillers for these uses rarely is required in California because of the natural tines available. On the other hand, California manufacturers of asphalt products other than having utilize about 300,000 tons of asbestos, diatomite, limestone, mica, soapstone, and other nonmetallic minerals as filler, mainly for reeling and flooring. Also about 500,000 tons of roofing, granules is produced in California, most of which goes into roofing manufacture in California. In addition. A significantly large and growing tonnage of relatively coarse mineral aggregates Ire used on low-angle, built-up, asphalt roofs to produce in attractive surface and offer protection against the clements. Clearly ill minerals used in asphalt products manufactured in California come from local sources, except asbestos and mica--and there are indications that local deposits of those commodities could be utilized in some use categories.

Jan 1, 1966